My name is Charlie. I've been vegetarian or vegan for the past 13 years or so, and vegan for most of that. Veganism is hugely important to me. I quit smoking (after much effort) when I realized I might lose my cherry on an ant or other tiny creature. I didn't want to lose my right to complain about the universe's asteroids :-p So to me it makes sense that a vegan would workout. Working out takes care of the vegan's health, and being vegan takes care of something else's health.

I've been very active since last July. I had about 42lbs extra on me due to medication which is now gone. My focus had been running. I set 7 goals: to run a full hour each at 5, 6, 7, 7.5, 8, 9, and 10mph. I've completed 3 of those and have hit a full hour at 7.2mph. I do pushups, situps, and weights, though I haven't done weights as regularly as the rest. I've been very happy with my results.

Welcome to the community here. I like the way you look at the universe. Cigarettes are so nasty and harmful. Not just for little creatures but all of us walking around near smokers breathing in the 2nd hand smoke thats worse than the 1st hand some times. Just recently learned about 3rd hand smoke, from clothes, and its harm to children of smokers.